FRIDAY 55
They enter slowly
as she leans on his arm
and her cane.
We exchange greetings.
He gently helps her remove her coat,
sends her along with a "ladies first."
Before they leave he smiles up at her
as he works the zipper she can't manage.
As they depart,
I smile at the endurance of tenderness.
DA COUNT
They enter slowly
as she leans on his arm
and her cane.
We exchange greetings.
He gently helps her remove her coat,
sends her along with a "ladies first."
Before they leave he smiles up at her
as he works the zipper she can't manage.
As they depart,
I smile at the endurance of tenderness.
DA COUNT
I get to see this scene at work every week and I find it lovely every time. There are a few elderly couples who come in regularly and I'm always struck by the ones who exhibit a real gentleness and fondness for each other. It's a beautiful and hopeful thing.
There is another couple I also enjoy quite a lot. In this case it's the husband who requires the greater assistance and the wife who offers it lovingly. Nonetheless, he is an utterly shameless octogenarian flirt. One day he took my left hand to get my attention so he could tell me a story. As I listened he turned my hand over and patted the back of it. When he finished his tale he looked up mischievously and admitted, "I was looking for a ring, but you don't have one, too pretty not to be spoken for." I laughed and told him I am married but haven't worn my rings or wristwatch since I demolished my hand and arm a few years ago because they bother me and they don't fit my other hand. He feigned being crestfallen and I gave him a mild scolding as I pointed out how pretty and devoted his own wife is. He looked at me like I was nuts when I called her pretty. I said she has a face that only develops after a lifetime of smiling and it gives her the kind of beauty younger women can only aspire to. Out of the corner of my eye I saw her beam her radiant smile.
This week I'm counting the privilege of interacting with people like these on a regular basis. I don't know what their history holds but I'm grateful to be witness to the gentle and enduring love in their present.
There is another couple I also enjoy quite a lot. In this case it's the husband who requires the greater assistance and the wife who offers it lovingly. Nonetheless, he is an utterly shameless octogenarian flirt. One day he took my left hand to get my attention so he could tell me a story. As I listened he turned my hand over and patted the back of it. When he finished his tale he looked up mischievously and admitted, "I was looking for a ring, but you don't have one, too pretty not to be spoken for." I laughed and told him I am married but haven't worn my rings or wristwatch since I demolished my hand and arm a few years ago because they bother me and they don't fit my other hand. He feigned being crestfallen and I gave him a mild scolding as I pointed out how pretty and devoted his own wife is. He looked at me like I was nuts when I called her pretty. I said she has a face that only develops after a lifetime of smiling and it gives her the kind of beauty younger women can only aspire to. Out of the corner of my eye I saw her beam her radiant smile.
This week I'm counting the privilege of interacting with people like these on a regular basis. I don't know what their history holds but I'm grateful to be witness to the gentle and enduring love in their present.
Jeez Trini...Thats me in about 6 months!
ReplyDeleteVery descriptive, and I really liked how subtle and brilliant this was.
Excellent 55 My Dear.
Thank You for this Perfect contribution, and have a Kick Ass Week-End...G
It's great stuff, isn't it? Of course, seeing true love, at any time, is a joy.
ReplyDeleteMy stepfather is like the fellow you mentioned. He's in his 80's and shamelessly flirts with every woman he meets. Of course, he's utterly devoted to My Mom, and she knows that, so she lets him go on. Anyway, he's a hero of mine - still able to put up the bold horny front at his age and almost always getting a smile from the pretty young girls, too. How nice.
This is so touching!
ReplyDeleteSo tender. I love that there are couples such as this pair and that you recognize and celebrate them this way.
ReplyDeleteWe have much to learn from our elders, don't we??
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, Lime!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt makes you realize that it's totally worth it to put in the work to get to that place, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteLove is as love does.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing more refreshing than truly deep devoted love, respect, and loyalty. Assistance out of love is priceless.
ReplyDeleteI know I always say this, but this is such a beautiful 55.
--snow
Beautifully expressed.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Wonderful old fashioned courtesy. Bet they don't know the meaning of 'being cool'thank heavens.
ReplyDeleteleft me with a smile at that 55. nicely done. love endures.
ReplyDeletemy 55 is up!
Sweet story! Have a good weekend Lime.
ReplyDeleteI want that when Mr. Jazz and I are 80. Yep.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful portrait; how lucky they are.
ReplyDeleteYay for true and lasting love!
ReplyDelete*happy dance*
Also FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice 55
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I think you probably made that sweet woman's day.
ReplyDeleteNothing warms my heart quite as much as seeing and elderly couple hold hands and treat each other tenderly. I love that. :)
That was cute. I like what you said about the smile.
ReplyDeleteyou made me cry
ReplyDeleteLove is always beautiful, innit?
It's not even Valentine's Day yet but I feel as though this post made me privy to what is at the very core of what the holiday is all about... Not the cards, flowers and candy which Hallmark has tried to lead us all to believe.
ReplyDeleteThank you once again Lime for sharing your perspective.
:-)
We all get all wrinkly and saggy eventually (cept for the general population in LA) and we'd all better hope they'll be laughy sorta lines :D
ReplyDeleteYour count this week made me smile wide and warm. Late but finally up.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and romantic 55. I am glad to know love has no age limit, its beautiful always.
ReplyDeleteThat's truly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi sweetie - been away for a while - though I wear my fabulous tie-dyed shirt every single week....
ReplyDeleteYour description tells me
A) you still hold your great job at the library
B) your personality continues on as usual (unbounded) with love and compassion
C) you are one helluvahflirt :)
That's awesome. I love seeing old people who have smiled a lot over the years because their faces develop into a permanent smile. So beautiful from a purely aesthetic standpoint.
ReplyDeleteOh, I plan on being a flirt too when I'm that old. I'd get away with it. ;)
I feel like you've maybe mentioned this couple before? And I loved them then and do again now.
ReplyDeleteI also love that you're someone who notices how rare and fabulous they are.
Oh, what fun! Lovely post. And congrats on a well deserved POTW award, dear Michelle!
ReplyDelete'The endurance of tenderness' - such a lovely line to go with a wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteI have nothing to add to my previous save congratulations on the POTW. Well deserved. :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post!! So poignant! And congrats on your POTW award!!
ReplyDeleteHugs
SueAnn
Oh yes! How very lovely.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many beautiful moments and interactions like these are missed by us when our lives have us constantly rushing rushing. It's a good reminder to slow down and smell the roses. To see that the finish line is not about how fast you can get there - it's about taking your time and cherishing every moment along the way. I love that you not only see this kind of tenderness and devotion, but that you recognize its sweetness and have shared it with us.
Congratulations on your Post Of The Week recognition from Hilary.
I can see her radiant smile. I love how you describe it. I can tell you are one of those rare people who actually see other people. Good read. Nicely done. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely post...l missed this one...thanks for coming by and leaving such a lovely comment...
ReplyDeletewell deserved POTW from Hilary!
btw I must be think but can you explain Da count...?
reasons to be thankful is that it...not sure if l figured it right?
thansk
luv Saz x
Oh this melts me.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of my adorable and wise in-laws.
Congratulations on the POTW.
What a lovely (and true) remark .. Congrats on POTW from Hilary
ReplyDeleteThat was such a nice comment to make about that lovely lady's face! A lifetime of smiling...perfect. Congratulations on your POTW status from Hilary. Certainly well deserved.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post ... it touched my heart. Congrats on your POTW win from Hilary ... well-deserved!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful story. I love to see life on a person's face. Congratulations on being POTW!
ReplyDeleteSensational Haiku Wednesday
Congrats on PotW! Nothing like love that lasts.
ReplyDeleteYes. It's so wonderful to see love so alive in people who have loved each other so long.
ReplyDeleteThat truly was lovely. I too enjoy spending time with "old" people. I love those who still have a good attitude, and I wonder what sorts of things they survived that brought them to this moment in time. I love little old couples too. They are the best.
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle. A nice warm hearted blog. Well done for winning Hilary's Blog of the Month! - Dave
ReplyDeleteThis was a gently charming post, and I greatly enjoyed reading it. It's a pity that the well-worn flirt had to be reminded of his wife's own prettiness but perhaps he was just surprised that others see her as he always does.
ReplyDeleteIt is a privilege to bear witness to the kindness that has developed over a lifetime together. Thanks for sharing it. Congrats on the post of the week mention over at Hilary's, too :-)
What an absolutely beautiful post. no wonder it was named Post of the Week. It inspired me. Thank you.
ReplyDeletejj
This is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read! I am so glad you were picked as the post of the week. Sensational.
ReplyDeleteI live in Pennsylvania too! Are you getting ready for the big snow storm tonight? I am not too happy about it...
octogenarian love makes me teary eyed every time I see it expressed. My own grandparents were married for over 50 years with a bit of a "war secret" about the real date of their wedding. I like the appreciation the husband shows for his wife's smile and the wrinkles that came with it. Truly something to aspire to.
ReplyDelete